Thursday, March 30, 2006

Wow, wow, wow. A shocking result episode. Shakira was in the house with Wyclef Jean of The Fugees, performing live 'Hips Don't Lie', woohoo! The sexy songstress did her own thing, stole the show with her breathtaking, mindblowing, don’t-watch-when-parents-are-around performance. I think the single should make a big leap on the charts soon, based on the huge ratings of the show. Oh and I spotted Justin Guarini aka That LoserFrom Season One in the audience. More shameless promotions from Fox, this time it involved the contestants going to an advance screening of Ice Age 2: The Meltdown and coming out with, of course, ass-kissing comments.The bottom three tonight was confusing. I can understand why Ace and Lisa didn’t get many votes, but how the hell can Bucky still sat there safely while Katharine, one of the most authentic performers of last night, stood still in the middle of the stage. Be very ashamed for your choice, America! I never thought I would say this this soon, but I have to: Lisa got dropped out tonight, as I predicted. So wrong. She used to be so good in the top 24, but then she just kept losing it with bad song choice. But her reactions to it is adorable, yes there’s no need to cry, it’s just a competition.It’s okay, she’s only 16, she’s gone a long way since that awesome audition, she’s got plenty of time to work it out. Her encore was the most dramatic one this season, with the whole crew came join her on the stage, and Paris so teary-eyed. I don’t why but her encore sounded so much better than last night. Lucky for her because Fox gave her air time to finish the performance, for the first time since the final round. Keep smiling and keep your dreams alive, Lisa. It’s kinda funny how I always root for the one that never got too far, this time last year I was rooting for Nadia Turner but she only made it to the top 8. Guess I never go with the mass’ choice.Next week’s theme will be country, so Kellie and Bucky will stay safe while the others have to try to adapt theirselves to the theme. Let’s wait and find out how well they’re gonna do it. Stay tuned for more idolicious recaps. Zeon…Out!

I was really excited when I found out that this week’s theme will be Songs From The 21st Century. It will bring a breath of fresh air to the show and the contestants will have a chance to prove they can do contemporary stuff too. However, the night didn’t turn out to be exactly what I expected. Song choice once again is the problem. Seems like many of them just chose their favorite songs, which have been listened so many times that they can hardly do anything new and different with them. And most of the songs these days aren’t as vocally challenging as before. The shining star tonight’s gotta be Paris Bennett aka Princess P. She definitely worked it out, man. Katharine McPhee was also brilliant with her version of Christina Aguilera’s ‘The Voice Within’. I started to hate Ace now, he tried too damn hard to take advantage of his hunky image. I also agree with Simon that it’s time Chris stepped out of his comfort zone and did something he’s never done before for a change, and stopped taking other artists’ arrangements to do his rocked-up cover versions. Mandisa, Elliott and Taylor both did a quite good job as usual. The one that let me down the most is Lisa Tucker. Her version of Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Because Of You’ is so uninspiring and a bit hollow. She didn’t make me feel the song the way Kelly does. That’s the big risk she’s bravely taken considering the song’s still in Billboard Top 40, so comparison is unavoidable. I can’t believe I would ever say this, but I think Lisa will be the one going home tomorrow, although I would prefer Bucky to have the lowest votes.Here are my ranks for tonight’s performances:

This very secretThat you're trying to concealIs the very same oneYou're dying to revealGo tell her how you feel

Secret heart come out and share itThis loneliness, few can bear itCould it have something to do withAdmitting that you just can't go through it alone

Let em' in on your very secret heart

This very secretThat you're trying to concealIs the very same oneThat you're dying to revealGo tell him how you feelThis very secret heartGo out and share itThis very secret heart

Download This!

The Fray/ Over My Head (Cable Car)

This song is slowly, but safely rising up on the charts. A catchy, though not original adult contemporary power-pop song with fun-to-sing-along hooks. You'll need more than one listen to let it grow on you.

Flashback

Kim Richey/ A Place Called Home

I recently heard this again after watching a rerun of season 5 Angel episode 'Shells' (in which Illyria was introduced). The song is appropriate for a midnight listen, because it's just so stripped-down and sad with melancholy vocals and simple acoustic guitar. Nice country stuff.

Music Video Of The Week

Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean/ Hips Don't Lie

Directed by the one and only Sophie Muller, this video is another attempt of Shakira to flood our eyes with her very sexy dance moves, and in the end, the Latin songstress was right. Her hips don't lie, at all.

Contest Of The Week

Win some cool Yeah Yeah Yeahs merchandise, including a copy of their new album 'Show Your Bones'! Click the link to enter:

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Elimination night! Barry Manilow performed! Lisa in the bottom three again! Kevin get hyped up again in the music video! Too much. Just too much. I was so relieved when Ryan said Lisa wasn't in the bottom 2, so that means she's in 8th place now. And I'm so glad Kevin book his tickets home this week. Now that the nerd's gone, the show's less annoying, leaving Bucky the only contestant I don't like now. Can't wait to see in what's in stores next week. More idoliffic recaps coming up. Zeon...Out!

Tonight's theme was songs from the fifties, with special guest appearance, uhm... Barry Manilow (seems like we'll get one each week now). Song choice was no more a problem, all the contestants know who they are now and therefore all have songs that suit them best. Everyone's got an equal chance to shine. Katharine McPhee delivered her strongest performance so far, I think. Mandisa, Taylor, Paris still stayed on top of the game. What started to bore me is Chris Daughtry's refusal to compromise. That was a great thing to stay true to himself, but that rock rendition of Johnny Cash's 'I Walk The Line' was just out of place and I don't like the way he stared when he sang it. I'm a little bit worried about Lisa now, her performance this week was just alright, there' s a chance she's gonna be in the bottom three again. Work harder, girl, I'm rooting for ya. Paula Abdul also get on my nerves now with her ridiculous behavior: the way she stood and clapped her hands and kissed the contestants' asses like everyone's gonna be the next American Idol. That was just overpositive. I actually found myself agree with Simon many times, except his comment on Taylor's performance this week.My pick to go home would have to be Bucky. Kevin should be out too, but maybe next week.Here are my top 5 for this week, in order:

Sunday, March 19, 2006

The lyrics of this song is one of my all-time favorites and I can’t help listening to it at late nights whenever things get sour. It just touched me emotionally in so many way. This one is a classic, people.

FallenSarah McLachlan

Heaven bent to take my handAnd lead me through the fireBe the long awaited answerTo a long and painful fight

Truth be told I've tried my bestBut somewhere along the wayI got caught up in all there was to offerAnd the cost was so much more than I could bear

Though I've tried, I've fallen...I have sunk so lowI have messed upBetter I should knowSo don't come round hereAnd tell me I told you so...

We all begin with good intentLove was raw and youngWe believed that we could change ourselvesThe past could be undoneBut we carry on our backs the burdenTime always revealsThe lonely light of morningThe wound that would not healIt's the bitter taste of losing everythingThat I have held so dear.

I've fallen...I have sunk so lowI have messed upBetter I should knowSo don't come round hereAnd tell me I told you so...

Heaven bent to take my handNowhere left to turnI'm lost to those I thought were friendsTo everyone I knowOh they turned their heads embarassedPretend that they don't seeBut it's one missed stepYou'll slip before you know itAnd there doesn't seem a way to be redeemed

Though I've tried, I've fallen...I have sunk so lowI have messed upBetter I should knowSo don't come round hereAnd tell me I told you so...

Download This!

Belle And Sebastian/ Another Sunny Day

This is by far the catchiest track in the Scottish indie band’s great new album ‘The Life Pursuit’. It’s like a little lullaby with sunny sing-along tunes and soothing harmonies. It’s at its best when you’re in the mood for a walk in the park, on a sunny day, of course. This I strongly recommended checking out.

Flashback

Feist/ One Evening

If you need a song to fill your soul after the sun goes down and dinner’s ready to go, then this song is perfect for chilling out times. The Canadian songbird, with her classy, jazzy voice, will definitely warm up your heart with delicate tunes and gorgeous musical arrangements.

Music Video Of The Week

Yeah Yeah Yeahs/ Gold Lions

Yeah, yeah, yeah, they’re back with a kickass single, and the video for it is freaky, too. You got explosives everywhere, a wheel of fire, and Karen O’s scary dance moves! Good freaky stuff!

Thursday, March 16, 2006

I was right. Melissa went home tonight (funny how they cut off her last performance on Idol stage due to the lack of air time, poor girl). I was really hoping she would go, after Ace went back to his seat, leaving her and Lisa standing still on the stage. I just can't believe it when Ryan called out Lisa's name. What's wrong with American, man? Lisa's only 16 and she's a prodigy with an old soul and one hell of a voice. Maybe that wasn't her best performance, but that was her first upbeat performance, why can't you be more supportive? Seems like she should stick to the old school ballad formula.By the way, more interesting things happened tonight. Stevie Wonder stopped by for a fabulous performance. And Simon, for the first time, wore a button-down shirt. Oh and our first Ford music video for this season, it was kinda fun.I'm excited about next week's theme, which I don't know yet. If you're feeling the same way, come back next week for more idoliffic recaps! Zeon...Out!

Last night, I was struggling to get out of my hectic, busy schedule to see the premiere of the finals for 2 hours. This week's theme is Stevie Wonder, the contestants were lucky enough to meet and sing to him in person, which made most of them turn all into crybabies. I don't know what had got into them, maybe pressure or nervousness, but most of the performances didn't feel connected, some were off-pitch and hard to enjoy at all. Kellie's performance was hugely disappointing. Mandisa was the hot one that night, now she's become my most favorite now! Lisa, Taylor, Paris, Elliott, Katharine were all good. Chris' moves were incredibly smart, the way he turned a Stevie Wonder into a Red Hot Chili Peppers rock version to stay in his comfort zone. The first to be voted off from the top 12 can be Melissa McGhee, obviously. Messing up lyrics in front of the man himself was foolish, messing up again in front of millions of people of the whole nation and all over the world was career-destroying. You came to this round and cannot even get the lyrics right? Way out.

So here's my top 4 for this week:

1. Mandisa2. Lisa Tucker3. Taylor Hicks4. Paris Bennett

Let's see if my prediction is right, see ya after the elimination show.

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Now this is real inspiring. Every time I feel let down, I would just listen to this great song and realize that I know I can.

I CanNas

I know I can (I know I can)Be what I want a be (be what I wanna be)If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it)I'll be where I want a be (I'll be where I wanna be)

Be, B-Boys and girls, listen upYou can be anything in the world, in God we trustAn architect, doctor, maybe an actressBut nothing comes easy it takes much practiceLike, I met a woman who's becoming a starShe was very beautiful, leaving people in aweSinging songs, Lena Horn, but the younger versionHung with the wrong personGot her strung on that heroinCocaine sniffing up drugs all in her nose...Coulda died, so young, now looks ugly and oldNo fun cause now when she reaches for hugs people hold they breathCause she smells of corrosion and deathWatch the company you keep and the crowd you bringCause they came to do drugs and you came to singSo if you gonna be the best, I'm a tell you how,Put your hands in the air, and take a vow

I know I can (I know I can) Be what I want a be (be what I wanna be)If I work hard at it (If I work hard at it)I'll be where I want a be (I'll be where I wanna be)

Be, B-Boys and girls, listen againThis is for grown looking girls who's only tenThe ones who watch videos and do what they seeAs cute as can be, up in the club with fake IDCareful, 'fore you meet a man with HIVYou can host the TV like Oprah WinfreyWhatever you decide, be careful, some men beRapists, so act your age, don't pretend to beOlder than you are, give yourself time to growYou’re thinking he can give you wealth, but soYoung boys, you can use a lot of help, you knowYou thinking life's all about smoking weed and iceYou don't wanna be my age and can't read and writeBegging different women for a place to sleep at nightSmart boys turn to men and do whatever they wishIf you believe you can achieve, then say it like this

[Chorus]

Be, before we came to this countryWe were kings and queens, never porch monkeysIt was empires in Africa called KushTimbuktu, where every race came to get booksTo learn from black teachers who taught Greeks and RomansAsian, Arabs and gave them gold whenGold was converted to money it all changedMoney then became empowerment for EuropeansThe Persian military invadedThey heard about the gold, the teachings, and everything sacredAfrica was almost robbed nakedSlavery was money, so they began making slave shipsEgypt was the place that Alexander the Great wentHe was so shocked at the mountains with black facesShot off they nose to impose what basicallyStill goes on today, you see?If the truth is told, the youth can growThen learn to survive until they gain controlNobody says you have to be gangstas, hoesRead more learn more, change the globeGhetto children, do your thingHold your head up, little man, you're a kingYoung Princess when you get your wedding ringYour man is saying "She's my queen"

[Chorus]

Save the music y'all, save the music y'allSave the music y'all, save the music y'allSave the music

Download This!

Sugababes/ Red Dress

Fabulous new single from this UK girl group, now with vocals from new member Amelle. Just a fantastic dancefloor hit that’s cool enough for a guilty pleasure.

Flashback

Tristan Prettyman/ Love Love Love

Think about her as a female version of Jack Johnson, and you’ve quite got how her music sounds like. She’s got this kind of smooth, breezy voice that really did the song good, after listening to this one, all you’ll gain is positive thinking and good feelings.

Friday, March 10, 2006

Tonight we finally got the list of the top 12, and that means 4 contestants with the least votes had to go home. What ahappened to Kinnik and Will wasn’t a surprise at all, but I do feel sorry for Ayla Brown and Gideon McKinney. Ayla seemed to have worked so hard for this and she deserved to sit in that seat more than Melissa. Gideon’s also a good vocalist but maybe he’s playing too old school for the show? I personally them two’s got what it takes to be in the top 12, too bad they didn’t make it. I truly wish them luck with whatever they decide to do next.By the way, Bo Bice's performance was very disappointing. He couldn't even hit the high notes in the chorus. What happened to his voice? Maybe too much touring?

So next week, we’re gonna have a 2-hour live special with the tribute theme to Stevie Wonder. It should be interesting to see the contestants step out of their comfort zones and adapt themselves to something different. I’m so glad that there’s only 2 episodes a week now, less air time, more quality performances! Watch and vote. Don’t let your favorite one down! More idolicious recaps from Zeon soon. Good night.

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Tonight was the last night the girls performed separately from the boys.Now since most of the less capable has gone, the night was quite enjoyable. Lisa Tucker looked amazing, love her new straight hairstyle, her performance was good, but not mind-blowingly good. Katharine McPhee 's got more props from me with this week's performance. Kellie Pickler is still adorable and cute but now I admit her vocal abilities aren't that great, which will slim down her chance of winning. I think it wasn't right for Simon to guess which one'll be going home publicly like that, because that's kinda manipulative, just let people decide for themselves.However, I totally agree with him on that Kinnik Sky and Melissa McGhee obviously will be cut out of the competition on Friday night, they're just the least talented in this group of 8 now. By the way, did anyone notice Brandy in the audience?So here are my ranks judging on the girls' performances this week:

Move on to the guys' night. It was idolicious (yes, new vocabulary for ya)! Taylor Hicks was on fire.I'm so gonna practice those signature moves. I can already imagine an impersonation contest of him. Chris Daughtry 's comtempopary performance was also great! One word for Kevin Covais 's performance: Booooring! Sing it to your grandma, nerd. I also hate Ace Young 's performance, can't stand his falsetto. My choice of elimination would be Bucky Covington and Will Makar. The rest deserve to move right up to the top 12 and get their best shots.Here are my ranks judging on the guys' performances this week:

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Yellowcard’s been one of my favorite bands (see, I’m a member of their online fan community), and this is the first song that introduced me to them. The lyrics of this song just touched me in so many ways with its bittersweet honesty.

Ocean AvenueYellowcard

There's a place off Ocean Avenue,Where I used to sit and talk with you,We were both 16 and it felt so right,Sleeping all day, staying up all night,Staying up all night.

There's a place on the corner of Cherry Street,We would walk on the beach in our bare feet,We were both 18, and it felt so right,Sleeping all day, staying up all night,Staying up all night.

If I could find you nowThings would get better,We could leave this town,And run forever,Let your waves crash down on meAnd take me away, yeah, yeah.

There's a piece of you that's here with me,It's everywhere I go, it's everything I seeWhen I sleep, I dream and it gets me by,I can make believe that you're here tonight,That you're here tonight.

If I could find you now,Things would get better.We could leave this town,And run foreverI know somewhere, somehow, we'll be togetherLet your waves crash down on me,And take me away, yeah

I remember the look in your eyes,When I told you that this was goodbyeYou were begging me not tonight,Not here, not now.We're looking up at the same night skyKeep pretending the sun will not riseWe'll be together for one more night,Somewhere, somehow.

If I could find you now,Things would get better.We could leave this town,And run forever.I know somewhere, somehow we'll be together.Let your waves crash down on me,And take me away, yeah, yeah.

Download This!

Corinne Bailey Rae/ Put Your Records On

This songtress has been on every critic’s mouth recently, they have all been hyping her up as the UK’s next big thing. Good news is, they’re actually quite right. This astonishing debut single showcases a fresh, young, soulful vocalist with beautiful, breezy, feel-good melodies that leave you asking for more. Perfect song for a Sunday morning. This one I strongly recommended.

Flashback

Kings Of Convenience/ Misread

Another Sunday morning song. Delicate acoustic guitar and piano tunes played along with soothing, Simon & Garfunkel-esque vocals. The kind of song I always fall for.

Music Video Of The Week

Pink/ Stupid Girls

Everyone should have watched this by now. If you haven’t, shame on you! You missed a bunch of funny, in-your-face spoofs of Lindsay Lohan’s driving skills, Jessica Simpson’s carwash, Paris Hilton’s night vision X-rated tape, and way more making fun of stupid girls. Dave Meyers’s always at his best when it comes to stuff like this. The wildest Pink video ever!

Contest Of The Week

Get a chance to win a new Tori Amos DVD The Video Collection: Fade To Red! It's a collection of all of her cool music videos, and deadline is March 15, so be quick!

Friday, March 03, 2006

Tonight, the elimination happened live on TV, and 4 got voted out of the game because they had the lowest number of votes. We said goodbye to Brenna Gethers, Heater Cox, David Radford, and Jose 'Sway' Penala. It was predictable, but David came as a suprise, I thought he got a huge fanbase of teenage girls and desperate housewives. Sway deserved another chance, he just picked the wrong song choice. By the way, current American Idol champ Carrie Underwood did stop by to give a kickass live performance of her single 'Jesus, Take The Wheel'. She's still got it.Can't believe we're only week away from revealing the final 12. So tune in next week, and support your favorite, don't hesitate to vote, they're counting on you. Zeon...Out.

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Tonight, the guys' performances were way better than last week's. A lot of them were actually impressive. But the most impressive one has to be given to Chris Daughtry. Credits to rocker dad! I started to get annoyed by whiny Kevin Covais. Such a geek, he's nowhere near as a sex symbol. Taylor Hicks and Elliott Yamin continued to rule. Stevie Wonder should be happy because three guys chose his songs to sing. Chances are that Sway and Bucky will be going home tomorrow night. Here are my ranks for the guys so far:

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

There was a big problem throughout tonight's girl performances. That was song choice. All of them either chose a boring song which can't help them show off their vocal range or chose a song too big to handle. However, brown sugar continued to be the flavor of the night. Lisa Tucker, Paris Bennett both went old school and they pulled it off quite well. Mandisa was on fire! Kellie once again proved that although she may not be the best female vocalist, she still reigns as the most likeable one. Brenna didn't live up to my expectations, so she did try to show her claws, but these are overtrimmed claws. I've got a feeling Kinnik Sky and Brenna Gethers will get back home this week. Stay tuned to find out!By the way, I noticed that Heather Cox is a real Eliza Dushku lookalike. And Lisa kinda resembles Aaliyah in some ways.So far, my ranks for the top 6 girls haven't changed.

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Please keep in mind that all the mp3s posted here are for evaluation purposes only, and will be deleted after a period of time. If you love what you hear, purchase their cds, merchandise, or tickets. Do what you can to support the artists.

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